Player Spotlight: Davon Coleman

If you were to ask the Dallas Cowboys coaches, “In one word, what is the first thing that jumps off the page about Davon Coleman,” I suspect at least a few would answer, “Motor, the kid has got a motor…he never quits, he keeps coming, keeps grinding, keeps pushing…keeps fighting!”

If your follow-up question just happened to be, “What is the one trait above all traits you value over anything in your defensive lineman?” I once again would think that one word at least a few coaches would say is, “Motor!”

Why?

Everything else can be taught or trained. Motor, on the other hand, is a measure of will, determination and passion. A player either has it or they don’t.

Beyond the eye-test, a quick glance at his college stats suggests Coleman’s ability as a player is on the rise; he is by no means a finished product. Prior to his senior year, he played mostly DE. During the offseason leading up to 2013 (and his senior year), he put on 25 pounds and played the majority of his snaps as a DT.

In 2011, he started 13 games, had 5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks and 42 total tackles. In 2012, (and the last year of playing the majority of his time at DE) he had 11 tackles for loss, 5 sacks, and 66 tackles. In 2013, (were a move to DT would actually suggest a decline in production) he registered 15 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, and only 8 fewer total tackles from 2012 with 58.

At his Pro Day he lifted 225 lbs 35 times and registered a decent 10 yard dash at 1.73. For reference, Aaron Donald, the first DT off the board (and my pet cat for the first round) lifted 35 times and finished with a 1.63 10-yard dash.

Fellow Sun Devil Will Sutton drafted in the 3rd round by the Chicago Bears lifted 24 times and finished his 10-yard dash in 1.82 seconds (2013 – started 14 games, 13.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, and 48 total tackles). Therefore, it is safe to say, beyond his motor; Davon Coleman brings the physical tools, as well.

Why did Coleman go undrafted?

The primary issues seem to be two-fold:

Arm length – Think Phil Costa. Davon Coleman on the pro level will have to win battles with technique, as his overall strength and ability to disengage will be hindered by the simple fact that most offensive lineman can avoid his punch to gain separation by simply keeping him at arm’s length.

Much of his production is overlooked as a result of suggestions that he benefited from a very talented cast of players around him.

The story is markedly similar to an undersized DT for the 3-4 that the Cowboys had in Ratliff, though his snub only dropped him to the 7th round. Ratliff proved that the size of one’s heart will always trump the size of the player. That question - as far as Davon Coleman is concerned - remains unanswered. But based on what I have seen and read, he is off to a very good start.

I am 35, married and a father of 2 boys. I have been a Cowboys fan since Jimmy Johnson took over; not because I had anything against Tom Landry, but because it just so happens I was old enough to start following and understanding football right as that new era began. Since then, I haven't missed games if I could help it.

BREAKING: Cowboys Sign Ex-Packers WR Randall Cobb

According to multiple sources, the Dallas Cowboys have signed former Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver Randall Cobb to a one-year deal to help bolster their depth at the WR position and potentially become Cole Beasley's replacement.

Cowboys are giving former Packers' WR Randall Cobb a one-year, $5 million deal, per source. https://t.co/8KWFPjSP8T

The Dallas Cowboys met with Randall Cobb earlier this week, but he eventually left Dallas without a contract. He must've had a change of heart or just needed time to ponder the Cowboys offer, but regardless of what transpired in that short time he is now part of America's Team.

During his time with the Packers, Cobb accumulated 470 receptions for 5,524 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns. The eight-year veteran will now be expected to replace some of Cole Beasley's production out of the slot for the Dallas Cowboys.

After years of watching Beasley as the Cowboys slot WR, it will be really interesting to see Randall Cobb in that role. He's not as quick twitched as No. 11, but can be just as dangerous due to his ability to be more of a down the field receiver. He also brings added value in the return game and could compete with Tavon Austin to become the return specialist.

This could mean the Cowboys forgo drafting a wide receiver early in the 2019 NFL Draft, but I wouldn't put it past them. Regardless of what happens, this is an excellent addition.

REPORT: Dallas Cowboys Re-sign Long Snapper L.P. Ladouceur

L.P. Ladouceur is returning for his 15th season as the Cowboys' long snapper. The veteran free agent was re-signed by Dalals today to a one-year deal.

Thanks to Jason Witten's one-year sabbatical with Monday Night Football, Ladouceur has now been with the Cowboys for more consecutive seasons than any current player. He just turned 38 last week, but Louis-Philippe remains one of the top long snappers in football.

The Cowboys have signed long-snapper L.P. Ladouceur to a one-year deal worth $1.03 million and $90,000 in bonus money, but he will count $735,000 against the cap. This will be Ladouceur's 15th season with the Cowboys, tying Ed "Too Tall" Jones, Mark... https://t.co/2iDsi6RX7e

Retaining Ladouceur is an underrated move for the Cowboys given their situation at kicker.

Brett Maher was only 80% accurate overall on field goals last year. The team could be considering an upgrade in free agency.

Whether they bring Maher back or try someone new, having a long snapper with Ladouceur's performance perfection will make things much easier for them.

REPORT: Police Detain Cowboys DL Tyrone Crawford After Bar Fight

According to TMZ, Tyrone Crawford was involved in a brawl at a bar in Panama City, FL last Friday night. The Dallas Cowboys defensive lineman and team captain was detained by police but apparently was not arrested.

Given that he was not arrested, one could assume that Tyrone was not one of the primary players in the melee. But that doesn't mean the NFL won't still review this matter as it relates to the personal conduct policy, and Cowboys fans know too well how "fair" that process can be.

This is certainly not a story you'd expect to see attached to Tyrone Crawford, who has been a model citizen and leader since entering the league in 2012.

Dallas elected to keep Crawford this season despite solid potential savings. He will count $10.1 million against their 2019 salary cap, which is high for his average production. However, he can play multiple positions and is one of their most experienced players.

Even if Tyrone were to get suspended by the league, it likely wouldn't be more than a one or two-game ban given his record and reputation. It shouldn't change anything about his status with the team.